My Background
I was born and raised in Hawai'i in a large, multi-cultural family. I left the islands to earn a B.A. degree at Pacific Lutheran University where I studied English, Environmental Studies, and Classical Languages. I earned a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from the University of Washington in 1989. After law school, I worked for the Boeing Company, followed by the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. From 1999 to 2014, I was employed by an Olympia law firm, where I became the managing partner. In 2015, I started my own law practice.
Outside of work, I enjoy serving nonprofit organizations. For 8 years, I was on the Board of Directors for the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County (past president). I am presently on the Board of Trustees for the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, where I serve as Chairperson of the Grants Committee. I enjoy running, hiking, rowing, reading (especially history, biographies, and treatises), cooking, gardening, and meaningful conversation. I have a spouse, adult son, and two lively felines.
My Values
Having my own practice enables me to align my vocation with my personal values. I attribute the same importance to and apply the same degree of focus upon being an outstanding lawyer, volunteer, family member, and friend. My precepts are:
- Treat everyone and everything with dignity.
- Be present and intentional. Always.
- Be authentic and candid.
- Constantly cultivate a curious and inclusive mindset (my own and others).
- Appreciate that growth requires change.
